Pomona II: Tommy Johnson Jr final summary

JOHNSON WRAPS UP THE 2006 NHRA SEASON WITH SIXTH PLACE FINISH
POMONA, Calif. (Nov. 12, 2006) -- Tommy Johnson Jr. would have preferred
to move up in the point standings this season. The driver of the Don
Prudhomme-owned Skoal Racingsm Monte...

JOHNSON WRAPS UP THE 2006 NHRA SEASON WITH SIXTH PLACE FINISH

POMONA, Calif. (Nov. 12, 2006) -- Tommy Johnson Jr. would have preferred
to move up in the point standings this season. The driver of the Don
Prudhomme-owned Skoal Racingsm Monte Carlo finished sixth in the NHRA
POWERade Funny Car point standings in 2005 and was looking to move up at
least one spot this season.

It didn't happen and for the second consecutive season, Johnson finished
sixth in the standings. Still, Johnson came close and couldn't be
happier with the way the crew worked this weekend during the season
finale Automobile Club of Southern California Finals at Auto Club
Raceway at Pomona.

"We are the only single-car entry in the top 10," Johnson said. "I'm
pleased with the season we had because all I wanted us to do was improve
on last year and we did that. We matched the points finish, but we're
a better team. We won two races this season and qualified in the No. 1
position twice too. We're a stronger group than last year and I think
it's only going to improve in the offseason."

Johnson won his first round matchup against Gary Scelzi. Johnson
recorded a 5.000-second pass at 279.61 mph to beat Scelzi's 7.419 at
116.02.

"I think we finished the season on a good note," Johnson said. "The car
ran well and even though it's disappointing not to win the last race of
the year, I am not at all disappointed in the performance of the car.
Especially lately. The guys have done a great job preparing the car for
competitive racing."

Johnson said the key to the improved performance this season was simple.

"Our consistency since Brainerd (August) was a big reason why we were
able to be competitive every weekend," he said. "We have not only been
consistent, but consistently quick and I would say we were one of the
top three performing cars in the last half of the season.

"That alone already gives me confidence going into next season. I know
we can carry that momentum over and I'm already enthusiastic about what
we can do next season."

The work done between rounds on Sunday was just another reason why
Johnson is confident the team will continue to improve next season.

"We had a problem with the clutch in the first pass of the day," Johnson
said. "It came apart on that run and we were lucky to get the win. The
crew guys make a problem like that seem routine. They never act like
it's a big deal, they know they can handle it. I love that about those
guys and we're lucky that everyone is coming back next season. We're
going to build on the chemistry and fine tune the program."

Johnson earned two wins in three final rounds this season along with two
No. 1 qualifiers en route to the sixth-place finish.